Paid-on-Call Firefighter

What is a Volunteer Paid-on-Call Firefighter? As a paid-on-call department, Clewiston Fire Department (CFD) depends upon the timely and dedicated response of members who selflessly serve the community when the alarm sounds. Under the direction of CFD officers, a paid-on-call firefighter is responsible for responding to calls and extinguishing fires, protecting life and property, and operating and maintaining fire equipment, apparatus, and quarters. The position requires training in the use of apparatus, tools, and equipment and the performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions, which may require strenuous exertion in smoky and cramped surroundings.

Firefighters also respond to emergency medical incidents to assist ambulance personnel in care and transfer of patients. CFD firefighters also assist in fire inspections of buildings for hazards and fire code compliance and assist with public education programs for fire safety/preparedness.

Training: All recruit training is funded by CFD. If you do not have previous firefighting or emergency medical education or experience, you will be provided with the equipment and support needed to complete State of Florida Firefighter I training courses (240 hours) that will introduce you to the basic knowledge and skills necessary to perform firefighting functions under direct supervision of certified fire officials. This training is a combination of classroom instruction and practical application. During this entry-level firefighter training, you will also be involved in CFD New Recruit Training. This training will cover the use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), Engine Company operations, Ladder Company operations, extrication, water rescue and radio communications. The purpose of this training is to provide a standard set of requirements and skills, and a uniform understanding of the Department's policies, procedures, Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and evolutions prior to being authorized as a responding member of the Department. At completion of this training, you will challenge a written, practical skills and physical exam that, if successful, will certify you as a Florida State Firefighter I level.

Beyond this basic-level recruit training, we provide free access to many other specialized firefighter training programs to further your knowledge and skills throughout the year.

Expectations: CFD paid-on-call firefighters are expected (when available) to respond to the fire station when paged for emergency incidents. The department relies on the response of our volunteer “on-call” firefighters to ensure adequate apparatus and personnel are sent to scenes for crews to work safely and effectively to save lives and property. Firefighters will attend regularly scheduled training sessions (40 drills/year). Training drills are scheduled three times per month for about three hours. There will be a monthly department meeting, Firefighters will be expected to attend, typically these are on Monday nights at 7 pm. After Firefighters become certified, they will be expected to participate in the department’s on-call duty program for weekend and holiday shifts. Each Firefighter is expected to complete two weekends of call duty per year.

Compensation: Paid-on-call firefighters are compensated per incident for responding to calls, all training drills attended, and other special events as defined by the Chief. Firefighter state certification courses are sponsored by the department for those individuals who complete the recruit process successfully. After 10 years of service and reaching 55 years of age, a Firefighter is eligible to receive a pension from the department based on their paid responses to the department. The composition rate is set by the City Commission.

Join Clewiston Fire Department: Clewiston Fire Department is a well-respected professional fire department. We take pride in providing high quality training, equipment, and apparatus so our firefighters can work safely and effectively at any emergency scene. In 2024, the department responded to over 700 incidents involving fire suppression, vehicle extrication, emergency medical, and other

PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER DESCRIPTION

department operations. Applications are accepted throughout the year, and CFD welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experience levels. The personal experiences you bring to the department can make the difference on many emergency scenes. Become part of a group of men and women who have made a solemn commitment to help their family, friends and neighbors.

Become a Clewiston Fire Department firefighter!

Tradition, Commitment and Service. Join Clewiston Fire Department.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (863) 983-1499.